Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Advances in Animal Keeping

April 26-May1, 2009 at the Toledo Zoo, Toledo, OH
$650 for AZA Individual Members or AAZK Members and $750 for Non-members [join AZA]

Registration

Advances in Animal Keeping is a cooperative effort between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). AAZK Professional Members receive the AZA member tuition discount and registration priority.

Until Friday, December 24, 2008, preference for admission will be given to applicants who are AZA individual members or members of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). After December 24th applications will be processed in the order received.

Download the Registration Form (in PDF). Please note that you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader to type your responses directly into this form, print, and return by mail or fax. You may also print the form, write in your information and return by mail or fax. Each course has a registration form specific for that course.

Please Note:

Checks sent for course payment will be cashed immediately upon receipt as per standard business practices. Cashing your check does not indicate that you have been accepted into a course. You will receive an acceptance letter or wait list letter once acceptance decisions are made. If you have any questions about your acceptance status, please email us at .

Travel and Accommodations

Please wait until you are admitted into the course before making your reservations. You will receive a confirmation letter containing detailed information regarding your accommodations and transportation once you are admitted.

Curious about the costs associated with this course?

The Cost and Logistics page (in PDF) will help you estimate the total cost of attending, including registration, hotel and ground transportation.

Interested in a Scholarship to attend this course?

The following scholarship opportunities are currently available to aquarium and zoo professionals for the Advances in Animal Keeping course.

Robert O. Wagner Professional Development Award

merit based award

Board of Regents Diversity Advancement Award
for under represented individuals
Zoo Conservation Outreach Group Conservation Training Award
for colleagues from countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Basin
International Conservation Training Award
for all foreign zoological colleagues

An Additional Scholarship opportunity is provided by the The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). (click on grants)

Course Objective

This course focuses on the very highest standards in animal husbandry, in combination with problem solving, team building and interpersonal skills, in order to engage, motivate and retain animal care professionals within our industry and to elevate the standards of animal care in AZA zoos and aquariums. Students will be engaged in activities designed to promote life-long learning skills. In-class discussion, exchange of ideas with animal care colleagues, small group activities, and question-and-answer sessions all enable students to analyze trends, to think critically and evaluate, to consider problems and propose solutions, to communicate effectively, and to learn their roles in their organization. The final project enables students to enhance their competency in working with a team of diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal in minimal time.

Target Audience

Currently employed animal care professionals. Curricula will be challenging for individuals new to the field of zoo keeping and is designed for those who have zoo animal care experience.

Course Topics

Animal Husbandry:

Animal Behavior (training, enrichment, observational skills)
Horticulture
Handling & Restraint
Regulations
Reproduction, Pest Control
Animal Shipments
Water Quality
Nutrition
Geriatric Care
Veterinary Overview

Problem-Solving:

Practical Exhibit Design
Safety
Crisis Management
Nutrition
Research Skills

Communication: Many of these topics will be integrated into other lectures and activities.

Leadership skills
Team-building
Conflict resolution
Training
Talking with management
Working with volunteers
Talking to the media
The keeper’s role in education

Course Schedule (subject to change)

Download the course schedule (in PDF).

Course Instructors (subject to change)

Jacque Blessington
Kansas City Zoo

Dr. Chris Hanley
Toledo Zoo

Jay Hemdal
Toledo Zoo

Dr. Robert Davis
Zoological Society of Milwaukee

Ed Hansen
AAZK Executive Director

Larry Killmar, Ph.D.
Lowry Park Zoo

Beth Stark-Posta
Toledo Zoo

Denise Wagner
Phoenix Zoo

What your colleagues have been saying about Advances in Animal Keeping

“The instructors were great. They were always available for questions or just to talk which I felt was a great experience.”

“This course was really amazing. All of the information presented was pertinent to me in my role as a keeper… it helped me understand the roles of other zoo staff at my institution. Thank you to all the instructors, this course was really inspiring.”

Questions?